Fine Gael and Labour have railed against the Government over reports it is set to impose restrictions on the public's access to records under the Freedom of Information Act.
The Irish Timesreported this morning that a Bill to amend the 1997 legislation is due to come before the Cabinet in the next fortnight and will begin its passage through the Oireachtas between now and Easter.
The Cabinet wants to roll back the original legislation, due to come into effect in April, which would allow public access to some information presented to the Cabinet five years ago.
Fine Gael leader Mr Enda Kenny said he would to challenge the Taoiseach in the Dáil on the issue.
"The FOI Act has been a major successs. It has made the Government of this country more transparent and more accountable," Mr Kenny said.
He added he would be seeking assurances from Mr Ahern that the Government "will not abuse its majority in the House to force through changes to the FOI Act".
Labour Party leader Mr Pat Rabbitte said his party would "vigorously oppose any moves to water down the public's access to information.
"Ireland's Freedom of Information Act has been acclaimed as a model when other countries, from South Africa to Scotland, have prepared their own legislation," he said.
"It would be ironic if Ireland were now to water down an Act which is widely seen as a model of good practice".
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